The first Belgian race weekend of the season was closed today with Kuurne–Brussels–Kuurne. After 197 kilometers the sprinters decided the race. Mark Cavendish (Etixx-Quickstep) scored the victory ahead of Alexander Kristoff (Katusha) and Elia Viviani (Sky). Sam Bennett crossed the finish line in 19th place. Until the two finishing laps started, a selective group if 18 riders were in front. In addition to all the favorites, BORA – ARGON 18 was also well presented with two riders: Sam Bennett and Scott Thwaites. Unfortunately a chasing group closed the gap to this leading group so the day was decided by a big field.

“That was a really good race for us today. We focused totally on the Kwaremont and we definitely wanted be part of a big group that was very likely to go there. Daniel [Schorn] did a good job, placing Sam and Scott in exactly that group. The guys really raced excellently today. A top result was really possible for us, if that front group would have made it to the finish. But unfortunately not all teams were interested. Then we got strong headwind after the climbs and some teams put the pressure on in the chase. So a big field came back together. Sam and Scott did everything to be in the front group. We staked everything on this one card and it was the right decision. On the downside, after their effort the guys didn’t have the power for a mass sprint in the end”, says Sport Director Andre Schulze after the race.